3 How To Play Basketball Offen
3 How To Play Basketball Offen
Over the years, as shooting, passing, and dribbling have become more sophisticated, offensive alignments have changed.
They probably will continue changing in the future. Rule changes often dictate this. For example, take the three-point
shot. This is changing the philosophy of a lot of coaches. Previous to the three-point shot, big men were dominating the
game. Teams constantly looked for ONLY a close-in shot. As a result, most defenses packed back in tight.
The three-point shot is changing all this. This new rule has opened up the game. Defenses must come out. It is quite
common to see coaches using 3 and 4 guard offenses. Some of them even have their offensive teams and defensive teams,
substituting freely to suit the particular need. Fundamentals, however, remain much as they were 40 years ago. Things that
worked then, still work today.
The terminology used to describe offensive alignments are different than they were 40 years ago. Some team offenses
have evolved so that every player must be able to play at any and all positions. The flex offense is an example. Yet, this
type offense is over 30 years old. Us old timers called it "the shuffle." In either offense, the center often finds himself out
at a guard position. This type offense is well suited for today's rules; however, adjustments are made to fit the abilities of
available players.
High school coaches always have to adapt. College coaches simply recruit the players to fill a void. Regardless, the level
of play, specialized players still perform specific roles within the context of the total team.
In this chapter I would like to define the offensive responsibilities of every position on the court. Then, show you how to
prepare yourself mentally, so you can get the best out of your position. After that, we will learn the importance of playing
offense as a team, not as a collection of individuals.
The point guard runs the offense and watches the backcourt. His role is so important to the team that he is really an
extension of the coach on the floor. He must have these qualities:
The Off-Guard
The off-guard is also referred to as the #2 guard or shooting guard. He is generally the better shooter of the two guards.
The qualities that he needs to possess are:
The Center
The center, along with the point guard, is easily the most important player on the team. Normally, he is the tallest player
on the floor. The qualities he must possess are:
The small forward is the most gifted player on the team. He should possess the following characteristics:
Like the point guard, the power, or strong forward, does not receive much recognition. Usually, if he's doing his job well,
his role as the player doing the "dirty work" is taken for granted. He must possess the following:
1. He must be a solid rebounder, both offensively and defensively. Along with the center, the power forward
controls the area inside the key. Many of their characteristics should be similar.
2. He must be an adequate passer.
3. He must be an adequate scorer.
4. He must be a "gutsy" dribbler and a hard driver.
5. He must be a good runner and able to go the entire length of the floor on a fast break.
6. He must stand up to the opposition at both ends of the court. In basketball parlance, he is known as the "enforcer."
At all levels of basketball, the sixth man has become something of an elite figure. He is the guy who has set aside his ego
so that he can come off the bench at a moment's notice and fall right into the flow. He's able to do whatever is necessary to
help his team win.
Sometimes his role calls for him to score, play exceptional defense, or a combination of the two. Sometimes, he is meant
to add rebounding strength.
Whatever he's capable of doing, the sixth man is an important component to the game. He satisfies his coach's quest for an
advantage, particularly when the game is close. He's a spark plug, capable of picking up the tempo when play gets
sluggish.
Since he doesn't start the game, the sixth man must study the game tempo and prepare himself mentally so he is able to
adjust to flow of the game the moment he steps on the floor. More than anything else, he gives his team quality minutes
when he plays. His coach, then, must know the sixth man's capabilities and limitations. Furthermore, he must know how
long the sixth man can deliver these quality minutes before losing his effectiveness to the team.
Mental Preparation
Give or take a few percentage points, basketball is 80 percent mental preparation and 20 percent physical. Sure, God
packs more ability into some player's 20 percent than others. But, from the mental preparation aspect of the game, the
percentage is equal.
There are as many ways to prepare mentally for a basketball game as there are players. A few of these follow:
1. Some players go into a deep silence before a game, preferring to focus on the upcoming game.
2. Some enjoy jabbering to everyone in sight, listening to music, and staying loose.
3. Others choose somewhere between the first two.
As long as it helps you to play well is all that counts. Your mental preparation should be to your own taste. Use one that
works for you.
After preparing yourself mentally for a game, the concentration needed for actual play is another matter. Basketball is
such a fast paced, emotional game. Decisions are made in split seconds. A player can lose his concentration at anytime.
To play the game effectively, you must block out everything around you, except the following:
Once you have your game face, be all business on the floor. Never let an official or an opponent upset you. This breaks
your concentration. This is often called, "Playing under control."
Stay cool and be a "team player." We have all seen teams with one dominant player who goes for the bucket every time he
gets his hands on the ball. Oh, he may get his points in the game; but, his teammates won't. More likely, than not, the
team, scorer included, loses.
The point is you can maintain a respectable scoring average. At the same time, you can help your teammates maintain
theirs and win the game. Remember to play as part of the team. Stay cool! Stay calm and concentrate. You will get your
points in the course of a game.